HOW TO: BUMP A VOLLEYBALL

By Kira GilesEnglish 393May 6, 2010

Description A bump is a technique used in the sport of

volleyball. It is the first contact of the ball following a serve from the opposing team.  A volleyball is usually bumped towards the net so that it can be set up for a spike, which can be hard for the other team to return

Process This process is for people of any age who are

interested in learning how to play volleyball or people who are already playing and want to have better bumping technique.

This process should be performed on a court, grass or sand.

Safety Make sure you warm-up before attempting this

process so you can help prevent getting injured.

Wear knee-pads to protect your knees if you need to bump a ball low to the ground.

If bruises appear on your arms during or after bumping the ball, this is normal and they will eventually go away the more you play volleyball.

Materials For bumping a volleyball you will need:

A VolleyballKnee PadsGym Clothes (T-shirt and shorts)A Volleyball Net (Not Necessary, but will help)A partner (Not necessary, but will help)

The Steps to Bumping a Volleyball

1. Place your feet flat on the ground and spread them shoulder length apart.

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2. Stand stationary, with your knees slightly bent and your weight slightly forward.

3. Extend your arms straight out with your palms facing up.

4. Place one hand overlapping the other

5. Press your thumbs side by side. This should bring your wrists and forearms close, but not quite touching.

6. Tilt your forearms toward the ball when it comes in your direction

7. Allow the ball to bounce off your forearms

 If you need to give the ball more of a boost, push a little with your legs

8. Aim for the ball to go high and about two feet from the net for the setter to set.

FAQ’s What do I do if the ball keeps going over

the net on the first contact when I bump it?Change the angle of your arms. You may

have to make the angle of your platform higher.

FAQ’s Can a player bump the volleyball twice in a row

without anyone else touching it?

Only when the player has blocked a shot. If a shot is blocked by a player jumping at the net, that touch is not considered one of the three touches for the team and the player that blocked the shot may play the ball again without violating the 'twice in succession' rule.

In all other instances it is against the rule for a player to play the ball two times in succession. 

FAQ’s Are bruises on your arms normal?

Yes, bruises on your arms after bumping a ball are normal. Everyone gets them when they begin to play volleyball. If the bruises are painful, you may want to stop playing and wait a few days before playing again.